Jessica Vaughn was full of life and loved her regular rides on dirt bikes with family members until tragedy struck one day a dozen years ago. She "wiped out" and ended up breaking her neck at cervical vertebrae #5. That incident, at age 14, resulted in the loss of the use of her legs, and she has been wheelchair-bound ever since. Jessica did anything but give up or give in. That's simply not her style. She lives a "glass half full" life and now, at the age of 26, has gained considerable new mobility thanks to a Craigslist encounter with the folks at GateWay Services of Benton Harbor.
It seems that Tim Smith, Executive Director of GateWay, had been working with his team to sell one of the organization's "retired" ramp vans and they listed the vehicle for sale for $1,300 on Craigslist.
Jessica, who lives independently in a home that she is renting, had been searching for a reliable wheelchair-accessible vehicle so she can find a dependable job. When their paths crossed, Tim became intrigued by her story, which he found to be quite inspirational, and he contacted her to learn more.
Jessica does a lot of volunteer work, and is nearing completion on her Bachelor's Degree in video game design. Tim says she is extremely motivated to be both independent and successful, telling him, "We always have to keep fighting…you can't ever stop moving forward."
Her ability to move forward is now greatly enhanced through GateWay's generosity in paying it forward. Tim decided to donate the ramp van to Jessica to help in her bid toward greater independence. When she learned that he was reducing the price of the van to zero, Jessica was deeply moved, telling him, "I can't believe this. All I ever hear is 'No, no, no.' I feel so lucky and grateful right now…finally."
The two met up yesterday so that Tim could turn over the keys to Jessica to get her rolling toward renewed success and hopefully toward finding gainful employment to further enhance her independence. In the photo accompanying this story on Moody on the Market.com, Tim is shown turning over the keys as Jessica's father, Todd Vaughn, looks on with pride.
GateWay Services is the regular recipient of the largesse of many people in Michigan's Great Southwest, and they clearly understand the meaning of paying it forward as exhibited this week by a first class move to help an incredible young woman at a key time in her life.
GateWay Services, located at 1440 Empire Avenue, works every day to provide maxability to individuals with disabilities by connecting them with local businesses in need of their time and talents.
